Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Act 2009

A vote to support means

• —Introduces a merit-based points system that attracts skilled workers and talented individuals the UK economy needs, rather than accepting immigration based solely on family connections or low-skilled status
• —Strengthens national security and border control by implementing biometric identification systems (fingerprints and iris scans) that make it harder for criminals or security threats to enter the country undetected
• —Ensures new citizens have sufficient integration and language skills by requiring English language proficiency and 'Life in the UK' knowledge tests before granting British citizenship
• —Reduces the financial burden on public services by preventing those without sufficient means from becoming permanent residents, ensuring immigrants are less likely to depend on state support

A vote to oppose means

• —Increases barriers to family reunification by making it harder for UK residents to bring spouses, partners and children into the country, separating families and placing emotional and financial strain on relationships
• —Discriminates against lower-skilled workers and developing nations by prioritising only high-earning professionals, reducing opportunities for nurses, care workers, agricultural workers and other essential but lower-paid roles
• —Raises citizenship requirements unfairly by requiring longer residency periods (12 years for some) and expensive tests, making it harder for established residents to become British citizens and participate fully in society
• —Grants excessive enforcement powers to border agencies with limited parliamentary oversight, risking arbitrary decisions, invasive data collection, and potential misuse of biometric information without adequate safeguards or transparency